BWH Hotels GB
Operations Independents’ day
As independent hotels prepare for another challenging year, resilience and innovation will be key to success. Tim Rumney, CEO of BWH Hotels GB, shares his outlook for 2026 – from economic pressures and changing travel patterns to the opportunities ahead for independent hoteliers.
Looking ahead to 2026, what are your expectations for the independent hotel sector in the UK? Tim Rumney: The sector will continue to face economic pressures next year. Inflation and the ongoing impact of the cost-of-living crisis will continue to put pressure on consumer demand. Higher operating costs through increased National Insurance and National Living Wage, and the end of the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Business Rates Relief Scheme in April, will bear down on hotel profitability. The sector is continuing to experience challenges and will need to remain resilient and flexible.
What we’re seeing is independent hotels who can focus on value, quality and, particularly, on delivering unique experiences being best placed to thrive.
Bespoke packages and experience-led stays will be key trends in 2026, with independents well positioned to deliver personalised services to consumers that larger brands struggle to authentically deliver.
How do you see corporate and leisure demand evolving next year, given the current economic headwinds?
For BWH, 2025 saw 19% YoY growth in meetings, events and group bookings, alongside solid leisure and loyalty- driven bookings, and we expect to see this growth continue into 2026. Having said that, we know that corporate travel is evolving, and we have seen our teams adapting to shorter lead times, the impact of hybrid working patterns plus the changing expectations of a new generation of employees.
Both business and 8
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